2011 BMW M3 Review

BMW M3

The 2011 BMW M3 is available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. The coupe adds a carbon-fiber roof and split-folding rear seat, while the convertible adds a fully powered retractable hardtop and sun-reflective leather.

The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and retractable headlight washers. The Premium package adds power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and different interior trim. The Technology package adds electronic damping control, M Drive adjustable settings, keyless ignition/entry, the iDrive electronics interface and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. Most of the above items are available as stand-alone options along with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (deletes carbon-fiber roof on the coupe), rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, power rear sunshade (coupe and sedan), a split-folding rear seat (sedan), satellite radio, an iPod/USB adapter and a 16-speaker premium sound system.

The coupe and sedan can be equipped with the Competition package, which adds EDC (electronic damping control), 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a lowered suspension and different programming for EDC and stability control.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT) is optional. The latter offers manual operation via steering-wheel paddles as well as a full automatic mode. All BMW M3s feature a specialized locking rear differential.

Standard safety features for the 2010 BMW M3 include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests gave the 3 Series sedan "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, although the convertible received a second-lowest "Marginal" score.

BMW's M3 is heavier, more expensive, and unlike previous models, V-8 powered.

Pricing matches the quality, however: it's high. Optional trim changes, a wide range of available options, and a strong base spec make the BMW M3 worth the price.

Safety is a tricky issue with high-end cars, which aren't often tested by the safety agencies. The latest BMW M3 features more technology, both in terms of driver-configurable performance controls and entertainment, information, and navigation, than any previous model.

The highest praise I can give a sports car is to say it performs well both on a track and while driving slowly around town. Why?

One of the few truly awesome cars I've driven, the BMW M3 nails both the sport and the comfort ends of the spectrum.

My 2011 test car came with BMW's M double-clutch transmission, and I have to say that even though I generally prefer manuals, I'd probably take this transmission if I were buying a BMW M3.